![- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup cornmeal - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Vegetable oil, for frying Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Choose bright yellow squash for the best taste. Fresh squash ensures a crisp, tender bite. For flour, you can swap in gluten-free options like almond or chickpea flour. These can add unique flavors while keeping the dish gluten-free. Just remember, the texture may change slightly. You want that crunchy outside, so choose what works best for you. Check out the Full Recipe to see how these ingredients come together for a delicious dish! Soaking the Squash in Buttermilk Start by slicing the yellow squash into 1/4-inch rounds. Place these slices into a bowl and pour in 1 cup of buttermilk. Let the squash soak for about 30 minutes. This step helps the squash stay moist and adds flavor. Preparing the Coating Mixture In a shallow dish, mix together the following ingredients: - 1 cup cornmeal - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and black pepper, to taste Stir well to combine everything. This mixture creates a crispy coating for the squash. Heating the Oil Correctly Pour about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil into a large frying pan. Heat the oil over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, sprinkle a bit of the cornmeal mixture into it. If it sizzles, the oil is hot enough. Dredging the Squash Take the squash slices from the buttermilk. Let any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each slice in the cornmeal mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Frying Method and Timing When the oil shimmers, carefully lay the coated squash slices in the pan. Make sure not to crowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. Draining Excess Oil Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the squash from the pan. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps absorb any extra oil. Seasoning for Extra Flavor While the fried squash is still warm, sprinkle a little extra salt if desired. This adds a nice touch to the flavor. Enjoy your Southern Fried Squash as a side dish or a snack! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Ideal Oil Temperature The right oil temperature is key. Aim for 350°F to 375°F. This range ensures a crispy crust without burning. To test the oil, drop in a small piece of the coating. If it sizzles right away, you're set. How to Avoid Soggy Squash To keep your squash crispy, follow these steps: - Soak the squash in buttermilk for 30 minutes. This adds flavor and moisture. - Drain excess buttermilk before dredging in the coating. - Fry in small batches. Too many pieces can cool the oil, leading to soggy squash. Presentation Tips Serve your crispy fried squash in a rustic basket. Line it with parchment paper for a homey touch. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and brightness. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes. Pairing with Dipping Sauces Enhance the flavor by pairing your fried squash with dips. Classic ranch dressing works well. For a kick, try spicy aioli. These dipping sauces will add extra fun to your meal. {{image_4}} You can make Southern fried squash even more exciting with a few simple tweaks. - Adding Spices for Extra Heat: If you like some spice, try adding cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to your cornmeal mix. Start with a small amount, about 1/4 teaspoon, and adjust to your taste. This small change adds a nice kick to each bite and makes your squash stand out. - Incorporating Cheese: For a cheesy twist, mix grated parmesan or cheddar into your coating. About 1/4 cup works well. The cheese melts and gives a rich flavor and a crispy texture. You’ll love how it elevates the dish! There are ways to adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs. - Gluten-Free Options: You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or almond flour. This keeps the crispy texture while catering to gluten-sensitive eaters. Make sure your cornmeal is also labeled gluten-free. - Vegan Alternatives: To make this dish vegan, skip the buttermilk. Instead, soak the squash in a mix of plant-based milk and a splash of lemon juice for about 30 minutes. This mimics the effect of buttermilk. Use a gluten-free flour blend and adjust the spices to your liking. These variations allow you to enjoy Southern fried squash in new ways while keeping it delicious! For the full recipe, check out the complete cooking process. To store your leftover Southern fried squash, let it cool first. Place the cooled squash in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just remember to wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you want them crispy again. The best way to reheat is in the oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay the squash on a baking sheet in a single layer. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy. If you use an air fryer, set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the squash crunchy and tasty, just like when you first made it. For more details on making this delicious dish, check the [Full Recipe]. What is the best type of squash to use? I recommend using yellow squash. Its soft texture cooks well. Zucchini is another option but may have a different taste. Yellow squash gives a sweet and mild flavor, perfect for frying. How can I make the coating stick better? To help the coating stick, soak the squash in buttermilk for 30 minutes. This adds moisture and flavor. After soaking, let excess buttermilk drip off before dredging in the cornmeal mix. Press down gently to ensure a good coating. Can I double the recipe efficiently? Yes, you can double the recipe easily. Just use twice as much squash and other ingredients. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This keeps the squash crispy and golden. What should I serve with Southern Fried Squash? Southern fried squash pairs well with dips like ranch or spicy aioli. It also complements burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Serve with a side of coleslaw for a classic Southern meal. Calories and Dietary Considerations Each serving of Southern fried squash has about 150 calories. It is a tasty side dish, but watch the oil used for frying. This can add extra calories. Healthier Cooking Methods and Alternatives If you want to make it healthier, try baking instead of frying. Coat the squash and place it on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until crispy. This method keeps the flavor but cuts down on fat. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour in the coating. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. In this blog, we explored how to make Southern Fried Squash, from ingredients to cooking tips. Fresh ingredients are key for the best taste and texture. Remember to soak the squash in buttermilk for great flavor. Use the right oil temp to avoid soggy results. Feel free to try variations like adding cheese or spices. Store leftovers properly to keep them crispy. Enjoy this delicious dish and impress your friends with your cooking skills!](https://tossedflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/eca47dd2-ea6a-4e57-b8fb-b8006f69f8a0-300x300.webp)
- Southern Fried Squash
Craving a tasty and crispy side dish? Try this delicious Crispy Southern Fried Squash recipe! With simple ingredients like yellow squash, buttermilk, and a perfectly seasoned coating, you'll create a golden, crunchy treat that's sure to impress. This easy recipe takes just minutes to prep and is perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and elevate your meal with this delightful dish!